Location: England South West
Reporting To: Project Manager
Job Purpose
We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Senior Supervisor to oversee and manage the daily execution of fibre optic network build projects in the field across the UK. The primary purpose of this role is to foster and maintain a robust safety culture, ensuring health and safety compliance is paramount and takes precedence over network delivery. The Senior Supervisor will be responsible for ensuring all on-site activities are carried out safely, efficiently, to the required quality standards, and in accordance with project plans and specifications.
Key Responsibilities
- Safety Culture & Compliance (Foremost Priority):
- Champion a safety-first culture on all sites, ensuring that health and safety protocols are understood, adhered to, and prioritized above all other objectives.
- Conduct comprehensive daily briefings and toolbox talks, emphasizing safe working practices and hazard identification.
- Ensure all personnel on site possess the necessary certifications and personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Carry out mandatory and thorough safety audits on all sites visited, documenting findings, addressing non-conformities immediately, and implementing corrective actions.
- Report all incidents, near misses, and safety concerns promptly and participate in investigations.
- Ensure strict compliance with all relevant Health & Safety legislation, Streetworks legislation (NRSWA), and company internal H&S Management Systems.
- On-site Project Execution & Oversight:
- Supervise and manage daily on-site activities related to civil engineering works (e.g., trenching, duct laying, re-instatement) and fibre optic cable installation (e.g., blowing, splicing, testing).
- Ensure work is carried out according to design specifications, engineering drawings, and quality standards.
- Manage and direct on-site teams, including direct labour and subcontractors, ensuring efficient workflow and productivity.
- Identify and resolve on-site issues, technical challenges, and unforeseen obstacles promptly, escalating to the Project Manager where necessary.
- Monitor and manage on-site resources, including plant, equipment, and materials.
- Health & Safety, Environmental and employment
- 2. Company HSEQ system; policies and procedures; Ensure ongoing compliance to safe system of work including appropriate monitoring and analysis and corrective action planning.
- 3. ISO Accredited Systems; Manage ongoing compliance to all defined company processes as defined by ISO 9001. This also includes updating any changes relating to new or changing contracts. Comply with ISO audit plan and requirements.
- 4. Ensure field quality and safety check targets are met, results analysed and NCRs actioned.
- 5. Ensure all office and field staff are trained as per the company skills matrix and client specific requirements.
- 6. Manage monthly reviews of safety & quality performance including preparation of Improvement Plan where required.
- Quality Assurance & Auditing:
- Conduct regular quality checks and inspections of completed works to ensure adherence to technical specifications and company standards.
- Perform mandatory quality audits on all sites visited, verifying workmanship, materials, and compliance with project requirements.
- Ensure accurate and detailed records of work completed, including photographic evidence and site diaries.
- Progress Monitoring & Reporting:
- Track daily progress against the project schedule and report on key performance indicators (KPIs).
- Provide accurate and timely updates to the Project Manager on site status, progress, risks, and issues.
- Maintain comprehensive site documentation, including permits, risk assessments, method statements, and daily logs.
- Stakeholder Coordination:
- Act as the primary point of contact on-site for contractors, local authorities, and other relevant stakeholders.
- Liaise effectively with internal design, planning, and commercial teams to ensure smooth project flow.
- Experience:
- Minimum of 3 years of proven experience in an On-site Supervisor, Site Foreman, or similar leadership role within the telecommunications, fibre optic network build, or civil engineering sectors in the UK.
- Strong practical knowledge of fibre optic deployment methodologies (e.g., FTTx, civils, cabling, splicing, testing).
- Proven experience in managing and supervising on-site teams and subcontractors.
- Familiarity with interpreting technical drawings and specifications.
- Qualifications & Certifications:
- Relevant Health & Safety certifications are essential, including:
- CSCS Card (appropriate level)
- SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme) or SSSTS (Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme)
- NRSWA Supervisor (New Roads and Street Works Act)
- First Aid at Work
- Asbestos Awareness
- Vocational qualifications in telecommunications, civil engineering, or a related field are highly desirable.
- Full UK Driving Licence.
- Relevant Health & Safety certifications are essential, including:
- Skills:
- Exceptional commitment to health and safety.
- Strong leadership and team management skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to clearly convey instructions and provide constructive feedback.
- Proactive problem-solving abilities and a hands-on approach.
- Good organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure and adapt to changing site conditions.
- Basic IT literacy for reporting and documentation.
- Experience with specific fibre network testing equipment.
- Knowledge of quality management systems.
- Ability to travel extensively across various project sites.
- Commitment to continuous professional development in safety and technical skills.